From lost luggage to getting lost in translation, travelers know that things can go wrong during a trip. We’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks from travel advisors – your personal lifeline if things go wrong while traveling – and other travel experts to make your trip as smooth as possible from start to finish.

1.“Take a photo of your passport and store it on your phone, then email it to yourself. Even if you lose your phone, you’ll still be able to access the photo on a public computer.” – Marika Cain, managing editor, Virtuoso Life2.“Research tipping standards before you arrive and bring local currency. Never assume that someone expects a tip. Also, upload your iPad with favorite movies and TV shows for long flights.” – Albert Herrera, SVP, Global Product Partnerships, Virtuoso3.“Call your credit card companies prior to departure and let them know where and when you’ll be traveling. Having a hold placed on your card in, say, Nairobi: not fun.” – Joel Centano, senior editor, Virtuoso Traveler4.“Travel insurance: Yes, I’ve become my dad, but for international trips, just buy it. Better to be safe than sorry.” – Joel Centano, senior editor, Virtuoso Traveler5.“Get TSA Pre-check or Global Entry to breeze through security lines at domestic airports and upon entry back into the United States. The fee per person is well worth it and certain credit cards will refund the fee if charged to them.” – Vikram Seshandri, Virtuoso travel advisor6.“I always carry a survival kit – a Tumi airline amenity bag with toothbrush and paste, facial cleansing wipes, mascara, earplugs, eye shade, band aids, aspirin, and a comb. If I check my bag, I always carry on at least two changes of clothes. I will never again get stuck wearing the same clothes for five days in India while the airline tries to locate my luggage.” – Laura Sport, managing director, Virtuoso7.“Pack an empty tote in your suitcase – one that can fit easily under the airplane seat in front of you. I always leave a new destination with more items than when I arrived. Having an extra bag to pack them in and carry on the plane as my personal item has been a game changer.” – Amy Cassell, assistant editor, Virtuoso Life8.“Program airline phone numbers in your cell phone so you can jump on the phone to rebook if your flight gets cancelled.” – Laura Sport, managing director, Virtuoso (Note: Your travel advisor can also readily assist in this situation.)9.“Never pack shoes that you haven’t worn for at least one entire day. It doesn’t matter how cute those new sandals are.” – Laura Sport, managing director, Virtuoso10.“Mark your bags with something easily recognizable.” – Maria Fernanda Garcia, Virtuoso travel advisor11.“Check an airline seating chart website so you can have an idea of what your airplane looks like.” – Maria Fernanda Garcia, Virtuoso travel advisor12.“Engage your guide and they will engage you back.” – Josh Friedman, Virtuoso travel advisor13.“Try speaking a little of the local language.” – Josh Friedman, Virtuoso travel advisor (Note: Try Duolingo, a free app that offers courses in languages from Spanish to Vietnamese right on your phone or computer.)13.“Practice patience. Travel is amazing, but can often test travelers when there are things such as weather delays or mechanical issues outside of their control. Stay informed, bring a good book, and go with the flow.” – Cindy Turner, Virtuoso travel advisor14.“Ask around town: If you wander into a cool store, ask the employees there where you should eat and what you should see in town. Chances are if they’re selling shoes you like, they’re also going to recommend sights and restaurants that are up your alley.” – Marika Cain, managing editor, Virtuoso Life15.“I always think ahead to when I return from the trip. At the Green Table in Chelsea Market in New York, they sell these gourmet, individually frozen chicken pies that you have to ask for. I make sure to have a couple of them in the freezer, plus some things I don’t normally eat, like frozen pizza. If you arrive late from your trip and your kitchen is empty, it’s so nice to be able to quickly throw something in the oven.” – Annie Fitzsimmons, digital editor, Virtuoso

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